Chapter 112: Leaving the Vige


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    The ominous spirit that had gued the vige was now trapped inside a unique artifact known as the ghost coffin. With its confinement, all the supernatural events that had tormented the vigers temporarily ceased. The oppressive, darkened sky, which had previously cast a nket of darkness over the vige, slowly began to brighten, lifting the terrifying nights hold.


    However, with the departure of the night, Yellow Hill Vige itself began to fade away as the vige was the epicenter of this paranormal event.


    As the morning suns rays illuminated it, the houses, pathways, andndmarks looked like they were sketched onto fragile paper, gradually blurring and vanishing from sight.


    The malign spirits influence on the vige disappeared with its confinement within the ghost coffin.


    Miles, who was engrossed in transferring objects to a vehicle, paused and took note of the changing environment. His face showed a hint of unease.


    The whole vige is evaporating right before our eyes, Stretch, nursing an injury, eximed in disbelief.


    Its just a temporary vanishing act, Miles exined. The moment that spirit breaks free from the coffin, Yellow Hill Vige will manifest itself once again. But what form the spirit might assume next is unpredictable. Its strength might surge, bing an even greater threat, possibly reaching an S-level.


    Records indicated that the paranormal episode in Yellow Hill Vige was ranked as a B-level threat  a significant hazard. This was because the specter haunting the vige wasnt the type to roam aimlessly, which limited its potential for harm. Nevertheless, the level of sheer terror it incited was high.


    For individuals specialized in managing or domesticating ghosts, tackling this spirit without discerning its behavior would likely be fatal. A direct, informed approach from the get-go was the only way to potentially contain it.


    Should anyone fail in their initial attempt to dominate the spirit, its power would burgeon, multiplying at an rming rate. Such a formidable entity would be near impossible to contend with.


    Stretch mused, Wouldnt it be better if this ghostly vige remains hidden forever? The malevolence of that spirit is beyond ourprehension. If it ever returns, our troubles might be far more severe.


    Thats a challenge for another day, Miles said as he stowed away a body bag holding the remains of a man named Frank. There are entities out there that are even more terrifying. We just have to tackle each issue as ites.


    Whats the n for the ghost coffin? Will you just abandon it here? Stretch asked, concern evident in his voice.


    No way. Well transport it. Its potential for research is vast. Our primary objective on this mission was to procure this artifact. Im confident a certain corporation will pay handsomely for it. By the way, Stretch, you look unwell, almost ghostly yourself. Do you want me to help you?


    No need, Stretch responded, anxiety evident as perspiration formed on his brow. He fully grasped Miless underlying insinuation.


    Miles seems to have a sinister intent. Stretch might end up as amodity, much like Frank, who was already prepared for shipment.


    Its truly unfortunate, Miles mused, looking at Stretch. If that malevolent spirit awakens from with you, your worth diminishes considerably. At least if youre sealed away now, youre not an immediate threat.


    Stretch felt a twinge of anger and disbelief. His lips curled slightly as he responded, Your audacity never ceases to amaze me. Instead of scheming to sell others, have you ever considered offering yourself up? Do you really believe other ghost tamers would stand idly by and let you proceed unchallenged? Given the choice, anyone would stand against your ns, even if it meant the potential reawakening of our wicked spirit.


    Miles raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. Well, if youre not on board, so be it. But remember, I did save your life back there. The least you could do is help me transport this coffin to the car.


    Stretch nced over at the vehicle Miles was pointing at. Thats Shengs luxury sports car. That coffin is massive. How do you expect to fit it in there? he challenged.


    Miles smirked confidently. Leave the how to me. I just need you to help with the heavy lifting.


    Feeling cornered and somewhat obligated, Stretch sighed, Fine, lets get this over with.


    Shortly thereafter, two sleek sports cars made their way out of the vige. One of them had been significantly altered to amodate the massive, ornate red coffin. Its trunk was practically torn apart to make space, greatly diminishing the cars aesthetic and value. The ghost coffin, meanwhile, wasid across the back seats, tied down firmly with ropes to ensure its lid remained sealed during the journey. The entire ordeal felt like they were teetering on the edge of cmity.


    Although Miles had garnered substantial rewards from this adventure, it came with potential repercussions. It was a toss-up whether to revel in the sess or fret about the looming challenges. However, the palpable menace  the malevolent ghost  was, for now, dormant. Its resurgence was postponed, and Miles had bought himself some valuable time.


    As the duo drove away from the vige, the primary road leading into Yellow Hill Vige was buzzing with activity. Half the road was barricaded, with a fleet of vehicles stationed as a blockade.


    Several tents and makeshift stations were erected. The scene was a blend of corporate representatives, officialw enforcement, and researchers donning whiteb coats. A helicopter also stood ready on a nearby open field.


    Some officials took turns surveying the vige using binocrs. The moment one of them detected the mysterious fading of Yellow Hill Vige from his vantage point, he sounded an immediate alert.


    Emergency situation! a man shouted in rm. Yellow Hill Vige is not just fading  itspletely vanished! There are two vehicles driving towards us from where the vige stood.


    Another individual, with a set of binocrs hanging around his neck, quickly added, Ive identified the license tes. Theyre registered to Sheng and Stretch, both recognized members of Cockroach Club from Spear City.


    Someone else pointed out, I can spot arge coffin in the rear of one of those cars. This is no ordinary situation.


    Immediately ry this intel up the chain, an officer ordered.


    The man nodded and began rapidlymunicating the observed details to higher-ranking officials.


    A short distance away, inside a temporary tent that had been quickly set up as amand center, key figures responsible for managing the situation were already in a deliberative session. Though termed a strategy meeting, in essence, it was a consultation on the potential challenges posed by any emerging ghost tamers, particrly someone like Miles.


    The chief decision-maker in the room was Wesley. A man in his early thirties with a slightly stout build, he held the influential title of General Manager, supervising the vast operations of the entire organization. Given the peculiar nature of their enterprise  one that dealt with supernatural phenomena  Wesleys authority wasnt limited to just corporate matters; his influence extended throughout Spear City.


    Gesturing emphatically, Wesley began, Lets be clear about our priorities. The paranormal event at Yellow Hill Vige is undoubtedly an anomaly. But, frankly, Im skeptical about Miless chances of emerging unharmed from it. The directives from HQ, led by Build, dont overly concern me. Our presence here isrgely symbolic, an act to demonstrate solidarity for another team. If, by any chance, someone genuinely resolves this predicament, we should uphold our end of the deal and proceed with the agreed-upon transactions. After all, the assets theyre pursuing remain safely within our grasp.


    The atmosphere in the tent grew palpable as attendees exchanged nces. Recent days had been stressful,pounded by the scrutiny of Interpols specialized Ghost Tamer Unit.


    Sun, who had prior dealings with Miles, voiced his concern, Sir, Miles is a wildcard. If he does manage to exit Yellow Hill Vige and raises amotion about those confidential files, how should we address it?


    Wesley shot back, Such disputes are for HQ to manage, not us. If they have issues with their own affiliated ghost tamer, its their responsibility to address. The controversy surrounding those files started at their end, and our firm isnt entangled in it. Weve operated transparently, with perhaps a touch of strategic information withholding. They consciously undertook this mission,pletely aware of potential hazards.


    He added, A little ambiguity is business as usual. When both sides enter an agreement willingly, its unreasonable to point fingers whenplications arise. Wesley was resolute, firmly believing in the righteousness of his actions.


    The file pertaining to the ghost coffin was strictly confidential. Under normal circumstances, no one would have even thought to involve civilian ghost tamers like the Cockroach Club members in retrieving such sensitive information. But after assessing the bnce between potential risks and anticipated losses, thepany made an unorthodox choice. They rolled out this mission, cleverly disguised as a mere business transaction.


    Maintaining a veil of secrecy around certain critical aspects of the mission was paramount, even if it meant putting those involved at a higher risk.


    Yet, from thepanys perspective, this was inconsequential.


    Should the operation seed, thepany would secure what they sought. In the unfortunate event of a failure, they wouldnt lose much. In thepanys eyes, the civilian ghost tamers were merely pawns on a board  invaluable, yes, but ultimately expendable.


    To thepany, these civilian ghost tamers were akin to vtile elements, unpredictable and potentially perilous. Therefore, sending them into the mysterious depths of Yellow Hill Vige and leaving their fate to chance appeared to be the most logical move.


    Wesley, confident in his judgment, felt that he had made the right call.


    A member of his team voiced a concern, Boss, its worth noting that the psyche of ghost tamers is inherently unstable. Theyre not like the general popce. Their reactions can be erratic and explosive, somewhat like vtile criminals who might react disproportionately to trifles. We need to handle them with kid gloves.


    Wesley countered, Ive done my homework on the Cockroach Club members. All five, namely Sheng, Tian, Stretch, Yiming, and Page, are ounted for here. Ive been through their psychological evaluations, and they appear to have stable profiles. As for Miles, Im not entirely certain since his records are with Build. But as I mentioned earlier, Id wager his chances of survival to be bleak given his age andck of experience.


    No sooner had he voiced this opinion than a scout hurried into the tent, his face a mask of urgency.


    Sir, theres an update, the scout ryed, a hint of rm in his voice. Two vehicles are en route from the direction of Yellow Hill Vige. Our facial recognition tech has identified Stretch from the Cockroach Club in one of them. The other cars upant is Miles.


    Miles survived?


    A murmur of disbelief spread through the tent. The one person who was perhaps the most unpredictable and had once audaciously threatened to bring down the entire HQ with a mere phone call was alive and heading their way.


    Wesley could feel an involuntary twitch at the corner of his lips.


    Moments ago, he had all but dered Miles a casualty, and now, in a twist of irony, Miles was very much alive and on his way.


    Nothing like having ones assumptions overturned in a public setting!


    Gathering hisposure, Wesley announced, Lets step outside and see the situation firsthand.